Adblue fault and expensive software upgrade

[JaneMc]

I bought my A6 TDi sline from an independent garage just over 3 months ago. On Monday I topped up the adblue after the warning light had been on but despite putting in 15 litres the warning light stayed on. I took it to Audi Manchester on Tuesday and was advised to drive it for at least 50 miles and it should clear. Wednesday saw another trip to the garage as the light was still on and I only had a few miles left before it would cut out. Audi did the diagnostic check which they charged £60 for and said it needed a software update. I was quoted an additional £180 for this. Eventually I managed to get it down to £170 total and thankfully it fixed the problem after the update and an adaption drive by the technician.I feel like I’ve been ripped off but I was left with no other option. Does this charge seem excessive?

[Elansear]

Hi, have a search of the forum, this has come up a few times with various outcomes. To my mind OK to charge for the diagnostic but not for the software update as it would appear that the software was causing your issue. Then again if it was not done you would only be able to drive a few miles so maybe they felt justified in charging as it was not booked for the software and it needed to be done there and then. Maybe speak to the service manager to see if they will show some good will and refund some of the cost. Good luck...

[Crasher]

No you have not been ripped off, just charged what it costs at a main dealer, and their £’s per hour, to do a software update. I have the same equipment and such a job will take around an hour, so £66 for me and then the £10 ish it costs me per hour to access the VAG server in Germany and the VAG software system called ODIS is terribly slow and clunky and I don’t have to pay back the costs of a pretty Audi showroom and it’s coffee making machine.

[B5NUT]

As above there is no rip-off change. I would be contacting the dealer you got the car from and see if they will foot the bill. Used car warranty period - By law what must be supplied? - Frequently Asked Questions - Car Dealer Forum

[uBondapak]

Had the same thing pop up a couple of weeks ago. Feared the worst as I thought it might be an Adblue pump issue but it just required a software update which Audi did for free. Didn't charge me a penny. Car was manufactured in 2014.

[stig414]

I've had an emission software recall done and am mostly unimpressed. The gearbox parameters have also changed along with the adblu and general fuel economy. The car holds gears longer and does not change into top even in economy mode until above 65mph. The car had lost lots of performance and sparkle to warrant me to take it to an indy for a check.
The car was serviced mid July (properly) and now on a dyno only produced 248bhp after the audi "updates". The car has now been modified back to a more respectable level for the Bitdi around 310bhp. Audi will provide 5 free adblu top ups in the next 24 months due to increased useage presumably. It also had am mmi update but as of yet I can't see/notice any changes with that.

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[Whippy53]

The advice is and always has been not to have the emissions 'fix'.